Wilhelm Georg "Willi" Burkert

Greece: Wilhelm (Willi) Georg Burkert passed away Monday, January 5th, 2026 at the age of 87. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Christina Burkert-Buduson, son-in-law Anthony Buduson, and step-granddaughters Kerrianne (Derek) and Katelyn (Troy). He also leaves behind his brother Gerhard (Gerda), and best friend of his last 3 years, Doris Sittig, and many other people who cared about him. He is predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Gerlinde, and siblings Anna, Rudolph, and Erwin.

Willi was born in Schweinfurt, Germany, and moved to the United States shortly after getting married. He served in the US Army while learning how to speak English, studied Electrical Engineering at Fairleigh Dickinson University, and was a devoted employee for Schenck Trebel Corporation for over 30 years where he ended his career as Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Willi enjoyed living life to the fullest and loved being a father. He taught his daughter to ski, play tennis, drive a stick shift, and coached her in soccer for many years. In 2017 he moved from Long Island up to Rochester to be closer to her, where he enjoyed sitting on his deck listening to the creek and feeding the wildlife in his backyard. He loved the water and spent his last few winters in Boca Raton watching the ocean from his balcony and walking on the beach. Another passion of Willi's was travelling which he did for both work and pleasure. He enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, sports, and was very physically active. Willi enjoyed watching hockey and was an avid NY Rangers fan. He especially enjoyed playing tennis, and you could find him on the courts up until this past fall.

Willi will be remembered for being an extremely hard worker, a kind and caring friend and brother, a true gentleman by all who knew him, youthful in looks and spirit, and his daughter's hero. A celebration of life will be held this summer to honor him.